Overview & Reviews

Toyota is a Japanese brand whose refined, well-designed vehicles have earned it a great deal of popularity. Toyotas also have a superb record for reliability and durability, which goes a long way toward justifying their typically high purchase prices. For buyers who plan on owning their new vehicles for a long time, the Toyota marque is a very compelling choice.

The automaker's name is a variation of the surname of its founder, Kiichiro Toyoda. After years of research, Toyoda unveiled his first prototype, the A1, in 1935, marking the birth of the Toyota Motor Corporation. The '40s witnessed the launch of additional passenger cars and even a pickup. By the end of the decade, the automaker had produced more than 100,000 vehicles.

Toyota grew bigger in the '50s and expanded its roster with a slew of new small cars. The company also unveiled the utilitarian BJ truck; this vehicle was the precursor to the Land Cruiser. By the end of the decade, Toyota had commenced exports to the U.S. with the establishment of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Inc. The first Toyota to be sold on American shores was the Crown; it held the distinction of being the first Japanese car to be sold Stateside.

The '60s witnessed even more growth for the emerging juggernaut. Toyota introduced the Corolla, an immensely popular model that is still in production today. Vehicles like the home-market Publica, the 2000GT, Hiace and Miniace were also launched. The decade closed with Toyota reporting annual domestic sales of 1 million units; cumulative exports also reached 1 million.

Japanese-market cars like the Carina, Light Ace and Publica Starlet were launched during the 1970s. In the States, the Corolla grew in popularity and the Corona and Mk II models debuted as well. The successful Celica sports coupe was also rolled out and would remain in production for more than 30 years. Toyota's shadow had spread far beyond Japan by this point. The decade's oil crisis had made the manufacturer's compact, fuel-efficient models more popular than ever in the United States. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker had exported more than 10 million vehicles.

Toyota expanded its presence in the U.S. market during the '80s, with the introduction of popular models like the 4Runner SUV and the MR2 sports car. The true high point of these years, though, was the birth of the Toyota Camry sedan. Originally known as the Celica Camry in Japan, the car went on to be a hit of phenomenal proportions, earning kudos as America's best-selling car of the year time and time again.

During the '90s, Toyota rolled out the Avalon full-size sedan and expanded its selection of SUVs with the compact RAV4. By the end of the decade, more than 100 million Toyota vehicles had been produced in Japan. The company also proved itself on the cutting edge of new technology with the rollout of the Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid. The car debuted in Japan in 1997; by 2001, the fuel-sipping sedan had made its way to American highways. Despite the presence of a growing number of competitors in its segment, the Prius continues to boast class-leading sales.

Toyota's current lineup is relatively extensive, including minivans, cars, trucks and SUVs. The brand remains extremely popular among savvy consumers who place a high value on quality and dependability.

User Reviews:

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  Solid SUV - 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser
  By Mister Salvatore - September 7 - 9:01 am

  FJ is a good, solid off-road vehicle. I have the manual six speed. I am 66 and have driven a standard shift since I was a teenager. But it pains me to say with my arthritic joints, I just cannot handle the clutch and shifting any longer. This vehicle is also a bit rough on the road. With the full-time four wheel drive and all the computer management, it rides straight and true on the slippiest of roads. I did all the factory scheduled maintenance and have not had a single issue or anything break in my six years of ownership. If I was younger, the rough ride and shifting would not bother me at all. I was never the luxury car type, but now it is time I get a vehicle with some cush. I really hate to depart with FJ, but it is time I go luxury. Not exactly a family car, but is great for camping, outdoor stuff, off roading, that type of thing, or for someone like me that just likes an off-road type of vehicle to drive. And, oh my goodness, so good-looking!!

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  Best Truck on The Market - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Craig - September 7 - 3:33 am

  First truck I have owned. I needed a truck to assist in the rebuilding of my property in New Orleans. Great price and incentives from the factory. Should have gotten the four door model for $1000.00 more. Well you live and learn. Truck came with front bench seat. Captains chairs with center console would have been a better choice.

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  2010 tundra - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By K - September 7 - 1:50 am

  Tires, brakes and oil change is all she has needed for 150000 miles

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  Im in love with my Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By PumpkinsMom - September 6 - 2:16 pm

  "Everything about the 2008 Prius is great! I ordered mine and have had it now for 3 months. It just keeps getting better. I am averaging 52.6 - 53.4 miles a gallon, "WOW" did I say that loud enough "WOW"!!! I have package # 6. Before I ordered my 2008 Prius I read many reviews, what surprised me was how folks said the break in the back window bothered them. I am 5 9 and in no way is it in my way. They also spoke about the back up signal beeping. Its no big deal, I do kinda wonder why they made the sound inside versus on the outside. I have been so pleased with the car over all. I have told my family and friends all about my new 2008 Prius, they have ALL been impressed.

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  0-60, who cares? - 2009 Toyota Corolla
  By wvcorolla - September 6 - 11:26 am

  We just bought this car to replace our minivan. We have two kids and realized that we dont need the that big of a vehicle and wanted to save gas instead. Who cares about 0-60 performance? Who buys a family sedan to drag race it? For us, the 1.8 liter performs perfectly fine around town and on long trips. The gas mileage is fantastic and, compared to our minivan, was worth the price of admission. So if you want a good, comfortable, reliable, safe, and economical car to haul your family around this car is the one for you. If you want a sports car then buy a sports car.

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  Good Truck......until....... - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By miamioolite - September 6 - 9:50 am

  Well. I wanted a full size truck that didnt outweigh a tank so this series of Tundra fit the bill. Drives more car like, so agile easy to park. Acceleration is good when empty, huals well, tows well. At 77k miles the air pump failed, disables the engine, $3k to fix. Not warrantied. Poorly made corner cutting part. Toyota wont help. I understand it has 77k on it, but Toyota quality in these mid years has gone down. Replaced the ball joint, window motor, motor mount. Maybe I got a bad car, but check out the Tundra forums. I am not alone. Not what toyota used to be.

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  The Last Car Ill Ever Own - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By LMBwillbeaPhD - September 6 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I both drive a 2002 Prius and will never own a different make or model. Its evenly weighted, easy to drive, and really does get 50+ miles to the gallon. The gas crunch has not been a concern for us! It has a smooth, quite ride with a huge interior. Four adults really can be comfortable inside. Weve had nothing more than routine maintainence since their purchase. Even here in the mountains we have found no problems with power. It is the families car of choice for long trips. Its a great car even for people who arent conservation minded.

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  50-60 MPG? - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Indiana Driver - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Very dissapointed in MPG so far. Have put 5,000mi on and the best so far is 47mpg. Seems colder weather affects MPG. Only get to about 380 miles on a tank before low gas warning starts to flash and then find out tank only takes about 8 1/2 Gl. to fill. Seats need more adjustment features, and leather would be nice. In town driving does not meet expectations.

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  untitled - 2003 Toyota RAV4
  By G. Pond - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Great lettle SUV. I love it

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  so much better then my ford was - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Rcoll2 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  04 Toyota Tacoma Regular Cab SR5 4 Cyl. 2.7l inline. Best truck for the money.